Soloist Pro v. Model 6

[BayRocker]

Personally, and you all are gonna want to shoot me for saying this, I'd go with a Model 5. Two humbuckers, no mini toggles, and most importantly....here it comes...no shark fins!
I really do prefer dot inlays over the sharkfins. I've had em...and each one I had, although great playing and sounding guitars, I sold off. Give me MOP dot inlays ANYDAY!

Interesting. I won't buy a Charvel/Jackson pointy headstock if it doesn't have sharkies. The only one I've got that has dots is my USA San Dimas. I just see the pointy headstock and expect to see those sharkies, otherwise it just don't look right!!!

[pro-fusion]

Because of all the mods needed to make a Model 6 perform better (trem, locknut), I'd say that a Soloist Pro is better "out of the box." But really, they're both great.

One thing to keep in mind: people here are saying that the Model 6 has a thicker neck, but every individual Jackson/Charvel from that era is different. I've played Model 6's that had thin necks, and my Soloist Pro has the thickest neck of any of my Jacksons.

If you don't want to have to do the modifications to a Model 6 but want its basic features over those of the Soloist Pro, look out for a 650xl, which is easily distinguished by having the "toothpaste" Charvel logo. They are basically an updated Model 6 with proper Schaller Floyds and locknuts, as well as a five-way switch.

[warlok]

Ah, okay. Now I remember! Is there now an ebony board on there or did you just ebonize it?

Nope, just really dark rosewood. My '94 Kelly XL look almost as dark as the M6.

[FunkyApocalypse]

Because of all the mods needed to make a Model 6 perform better (trem, locknut), I'd say that a Soloist Pro is better "out of the box." But really, they're both great.

One thing to keep in mind: people here are saying that the Model 6 has a thicker neck, but every individual Jackson/Charvel from that era is different. I've played Model 6's that had thin necks, and my Soloist Pro has the thickest neck of any of my Jacksons.

If you don't want to have to do the modifications to a Model 6 but want its basic features over those of the Soloist Pro, look out for a 650xl, which is easily distinguished by having the "toothpaste" Charvel logo. They are basically an updated Model 6 with proper Schaller Floyds and locknuts, as well as a five-way switch.

I've seen the 650, but I've never really taken liking to it as much as I wanted.

In regards to the neck, didn't the '86 Model 6s come with thin necks?

[kuerbo]

I've tried de Pro, the Model 6 and the 650XL.
I kept the 650XL and sold the other two.
I don't have any regrets.

[pro-fusion]

In regards to the neck, didn't the '86 Model 6s come with thin necks?

That tale has been in circulation for years, but I don't believe there's anything to it. The fact is that the necks on Japanese Charvels and Jacksons were hand-shaped, just like the USA guitars, which means that every single one of them is a little different. I find that there was quite a bit of variation in neck thickness and profile during the Charvel Model era.

[warlok]

And I didn't see it noted here, but don't forget the '86 M6 has a Kahler.

[algeriet]

Recessed vs non-recessed
Swap JT-6 for OFR/Schaller
On-off switches vs five-way switch
Rosewood vs ebony
Large neck heal vs scalloped neck heal
Kahler string lock vs OFR locking nut

I have a Soloist Pro and I'd definitely take a Model 6 and mod it with new pickups+OFR instead.
But then again I already have the Soloist Pro...

[Dave Rocks]

I have a nice soloist pro for sale, PM if interested.

[Rich#6]

the Pro's have some upgrades over the model 6s but I'll take a model 6 anyday. My 86 does not have a thin neck, it's a different shape to the 87 and 88 I had though. The 88 was much thicker but still comfy, the 87 I think is a little thinner then the 86.

[booger007]

I personally love my 2 650XL's. I play them often!

[booger007]

Here is a pic that includes my Soloist Arch top pro, My 650XL, my 750 XL and my rhoades and Dr3. Decisions decisions

[booger007]

Just now getting around to my music room after moving. I'll get some picks of the collection and room when I am finished